US20210307300A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20210307300A1
Application number: US17/219,616
Authority: US
Inventors: Patrick Carmel Lauchner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-04-02
Filing date: 2021-03-31
Publication date: 2021-10-07

Abstract

A bird-friendly water fountain is an apparatus that intents to provide users a way of nurturing outdoor birds with a safe resting area and clean water. To accomplish this, the apparatus includes an arrangement of components that facilitates a ground-predator resistant mechanism that prevents ground creatures from reaching the top and potentially harming birds. Further, the apparatus including a fountain system and a resting perch area, that is eco-friendly and comfortable for migratory birds. Furthermore, the apparatus provides the user easy ways of draining water out of the fountain, and easy ways of filling water into the fountain. A plurality of levelling and tension adjusting components allow the user to maintain a leveled off fountain in areas when the ground is not flat or leveled. Additionally, a recording device mounted within the apparatus enables capturing of video/audio footages of birds coming onto the water fountain.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/004,265 filed on Apr. 2, 2020.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a bird-friendly water fountain. More specifically, the present invention relates to a safe water fountain for outdoor birds, that can prevent large ground creatures such as a cat from climbing to the top of the fountain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When it comes to providing water and resources to outdoor birds, it is an objective to make sure that outdoor birds are able to rest safely and drink clean water before the next destination the birds will fly to. Many times, wild birds may be thirsty and will go ground level such as lakes and river to nurture themselves with water. During these times, the birds that are ground level can possibly be in danger when ground predators are seeking to hunt these birds on the blindside as the birds are coming to ground level. Within suburban areas, suburban birds drink from puddles, gutters, or other small buildup of water that may be contaminated.

An objective of the present invention is to provide users a way of nurturing outdoor birds with a resting area and clean water. It is further an aim of the present invention to provide a safe landing area for outdoor birds. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises an arrangement of components that facilitates a ground-predator resistant mechanism that prevents ground creatures from reaching the top and potentially harming birds, such as a cat. Further, the present invention comprises a water fountain system, and a resting perch area, that are eco-friendly and comfortable for migratory birds. The present invention further enables easy ways of draining water out of the fountain, and filling water into the fountain. Furthermore, easy maneuverability for the user is enabled by means of wheels located beneath the bird fountain to facilitate safe draining. It is also important to note that the present invention comprises tension adjusting devices that allow the user to maneuver and maintain a leveled off fountain in areas when the ground is not flat or leveled. Additionally, the present invention comprises attachments such as a recording device mounted within a main receptacle for capturing video/audio footages of the birds coming to drink water from the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top-front-left perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom-rear-right perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view ofFIG. 5, taken along A-A′.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view ofFIG. 5, wherein an inner tube is connected between the water base receptacle and the upper section.

FIG. 8 is a top-front-left perspective view, wherein a perch is mounted onto the upper section of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top-front-left perspective view, wherein a raised level of corks is perimetrically mounted within the outer basin.

FIG. 10 is front elevational view of the present invention, wherein a recording device is mounted within the base receptacle.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The following description is in reference toFIG. 1 throughFIG. 10. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bird-friendly water fountain comprises an upper section1, anintermediate section2, and alower section3. In order to accomplish the smooth functioning of the apparatus, theintermediate section2 is connected between the upper section1 and thelower section3, as seen inFIG. 3. In the preferred embodiment, the upper section1 comprises aninner basin4, aninner cavity5, and anouter basin6. Preferably, theinner basin4 is used to hold water for outdoor birds, wherein a small water recirculating system or water fountain will be coupled thereof. As seen inFIG. 1, theinner basin4 is positioned within theouter basin6, and theinner cavity5 traverses centrally into theinner basin4. Theinner cavity5 acts as an opening spout for the water fountain system in theinner basin4. In other words, water comes out and circulates through theinner cavity5, thereby filling theinner basin4 with clean water. Preferably, theouter basin6 is used to hold physical debris such as rocks and sticks to aesthetically look natural for outdoor birds. Accordingly, theouter basin6 acts as a safe landing area to allow birds to sit on without worry of ground predators. Further, both theinner basin4 and theouter basin6 may comprise any variety of physical debris and bird friendly components, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered.

In the preferred embodiment, theinner basin4 and theouter basin6 are shaped like bowls, having circular transversal cross sections and comprises a sturdy material such as hard plastic, metal, terracotta etc. Further, theinner basin4 is mounted centrally within theouter basin6, as seen inFIG. 5. Furthermore, as seen inFIG. 6, afirst edge4aof theinner basin4 is laterally offset from asecond edge6aof theouter basin6. In other words, the top edge of theinner basin4 is lower than the top edge of theouter basin6. This is so that theouter basin6 acts as a protective outer layer and helps theinner basin4 with wind resistance, such that water in theinner basin4 may not be blown away by wind. However, theinner basin4 and theouter basin6 may comprise any other material, size, shape, thickness, components and arrangement of components that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the objectives of the present invention are fulfilled.

As seen inFIG. 1 throughFIG. 4, theintermediate section2 comprises a plurality ofupper anchors7, a plurality ofcables8, a plurality oftension adjusting devices9, a plurality oflower anchors10, and a connectingpipe11. As seem inFIG. 2, the plurality ofupper anchors7 is mounted onto alower surface6bof theouter basin6. Preferably, there are fourupper anchors7 on thelower surface6bof theouter basin6 and are evenly spread apart from one another. Further, the plurality ofupper anchors7 is mounted proximate to a center of thelower surface6bof theouter basin6, for stability. For achieving enough stability and maneuverability, the plurality ofupper anchors7 is used in unison with a plurality oftension adjusting devices9 and the plurality oflower anchors10. To that end, each of the plurality ofcables8 is engaged between a correspondingupper anchor7aand a correspondinglower anchor10a, wherein the correspondingupper anchor7ais from the plurality ofupper anchors7 and the correspondinglower anchor10ais from the plurality oflower anchors10. In the preferred embodiment, there are eight vertical tension cables that provide physical deterrent to potentially any ground predator below, such as cats. However, within other embodiments of the present invention, the number of plurality ofcables8 may vary with the dependence in the size of thelower section3. Furthermore, each of the plurality oftension adjusting devices9 is integrated between acorresponding cable8a, wherein thecorresponding cable8ais from the plurality ofcables8, such that the plurality oftension adjusting devices9 are connected between the plurality ofupper anchors7 and the plurality of lower anchors10. This is so that the plurality ofcables8, thetension adjusting devices9, theupper anchors7, and thelower anchors10 provide a weight distribution and leveling for the water fountain as it allows significantly taller and thinner design with larger landing area. In other words, the combination of theupper anchors7, thetension adjusting devices9, thelower anchors10, and thecables8 allow the user to level off the fountain in areas when the ground is not flat or leveled. More specifically, the user is able to maneuver thetension adjusting devices9 to tilt and re-level theinner basin4 and theouter basin6. The leveling of theinner basin4 and theouter basin6 reduce standing water on downhill side and reduces potential mosquito breeding areas. For example, the plurality ofcables8 work in unison with theupper anchors7, thelower anchors10, and thetension adjusting devices9 to allow the user to re-level theinner basin4 andouter basin6 on uneven patios and/or gardens. Thus, the re-adjustability of the fountain level provides decreased risk of tipping during operation and moving of the fountain. As seen inFIG. 1 throughFIG. 4, andFIG. 6 throughFIG. 8, the plurality oftension adjusting devices9 are turn buckles and the plurality ofupper anchors7 andlower anchors10 are U-shaped hooks. However, the plurality ofupper anchors7,lower anchors10 and thetension adjusting devices9 may comprise any other shape, size, fastening mechanism, components and arrangement of components that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the objectives of the present invention are not altered.

Continuing with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, thelower section3 comprises areceptacle12 and awater container13, wherein thewater container13 is positioned within thereceptacle12. In the preferred embodiment, thereceptacle12 is shown to be a large rectangular-shaped box and therectangular water container13 housed within thereceptacle12, houses clean fresh water. As seen inFIG. 6, thereceptacle12 may be thewater container13 itself and/or two separate containers with similar dimensions. Alternately, as seen inFIG. 8, thewater container13 may be a separate smaller container placed within alarger receptacle12. In such configurations/embodiments, thelarger receptacle12 may house other aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly components such as trees, shrubs, twigs, bird feeders, etc. in the remaining free area. However, thereceptacle12 and thewater container13 may comprise any other shape, size, material etc. as long as the objectives of the present invention are not altered. As seen inFIG. 2, the plurality oflower anchors10 is mounted onto thereceptacle12. More specifically, the plurality oflower anchors10 is located on atop surface12aof the receptacle adjacent an outer edge of thereceptacle12. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are twolower anchors10 per corner on thetop surface12aof thereceptacle12. However, the number oflower anchors10 may vary with the dependence in the size of thereceptacle12. Further, the plurality oflower anchors10 are evenly spread apart from one another as shown inFIG. 2.

It is an aim of the present invention to circulate clean water from thewater container13 to the upper section1, for birds to drink from theinner basin4. In order to accomplish this, the connectingpipe11 is mounted normally and centrally between theinner basin4 and thewater container13. The connectingpipe11 is a cylindrical tube that protrudes straight up from the base of thewater container13 to theinner basin4 as shown inFIG. 6. Preferably, the connectingpipe11 is a vertical tube made of a hydrophobic material and comprise a wooden exterior finish. However, in an alternate embodiment, the connectingtube11 may be a vertical tube that is clear and see-through, such that the user is able to visually check water quality from a distance. It should also be noted that the connectingpipe11 may comprise any other shape, size or dimension, as long as the intents of the present invention are not hindered.

In order to pump water from thewater container13 into theinner basin4 through the connectingpipe11, the present invention comprises apump14. As seen inFIG. 6, thepump14 is mounted within thereceptacle12, such that thepump14 is in fluid communication with thewater container13. Further, theinner basin4 is in fluid communication with thepump14 through theinner cavity5 and the connectingpipe11, wherein thepump14 induces a pressure differential that pushes water from thewater container13 into theinner basin4. In other words, when thepump14 is on, thepump14 will take the water within thewater container13 and push it through the connectingpipe11 which allow water to access theinner basin4. Preferably, thepump14 is a small water pump that can push water from thelower section3 to the upper section1. However, any other mechanism that is known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be employed to push water from thelower section3 to the upper section1, so as to enable the smooth functioning of the bird-friendly water fountain.

In reference toFIG. 7, aninner tube11amay be mounted within the connectingpipe11, such that theinner basin4 is in fluid communication with thepump14 through theinner tube11a. This is so that water from thewater container13 may be pumped into theinner basin4 through theinner tube11a, and water may run back into thewater container13 through the connectingpipe11. In other words, theinner basin4 is in fluid communication with thepump14, wherein thepump14 induces a pressure differential that pushes water from thewater container13 into theinner basin4 through theinner tube11a. Preferably, theinner tube11ais a cylindrical plastic tube. However, theinner tube11amay comprise any other material, shape, size etc. as long as the objectives of the present invention are not altered. To enable this arrangement of water transfer, theouter basin6 is in fluid communication with thewater container13 through theinner cavity5 and the connectingpipe11, wherein overflown water in theouter basin6 falls down into thewater container13 through theinner cavity5 and the connectingpipe11. In other words, water overflows theinner basin4 constantly and drops into theouter basin6 for draining back into the connectingpipe11. This arrangement enables water to be constantly replaced in theinner basin4 like a flowing stream.

In order to provide power to thepump14 and thereby enable the functioning of the water fountain, the present invention comprises apower cord15. Accordingly, thepower cord15 is electrically coupled to thepump14 and thepower cord15 is integrated into an outer surface of thereceptacle12. In the preferred embodiment, thepower cord15 is located on the rear face of thereceptacle12, such that thepower cord15 penetrates the rear face of thereceptacle12 adjacent a bottom end, as seen inFIG. 2. Preferably, a terminal end of the power cord comprising aplug16, is inserted into an electrical outlet in order to give power to thepump14 to allow thepump14 to operate correctly. In other words, when thepower cord15 is inserted into an electrical outlet, power is provided to thepump14 and thepump14 is ready to be used. However, it should be noted that any other sources of power that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be employed for operating the found system, as long as the objectives of the present invention are not altered.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide users an easy way of draining water out of the fountain, and an easy way of filling water into the fountain. To that end, and in reference toFIG. 2,FIG. 3, FIG.FIG. 4 andFIG. 6, the present invention comprises aspigot17. Thespigot17 is located on the rear end of thereceptacle12 to enable dispensing and draining of water from thewater container13. To accomplish easy draining, thespigot17 is integrated into the outer surface of thewater container13 and thereceptacle12. In other words, thespigot17 allows the user to dispense and drain water out of thewater container13, thereby allowing the user to dispose dirty water for benefits of cleanliness of the fountain and health of the birds. However, thewater container13 may be drained by inserting a tube in the center of theinner cavity5. This arrangement enables thepump14 to push water out the tube and the user may use that water, to water trees and plants. Further, thewater container13 may be filled with a hose at the same time, allowing water to be cleaned and replaced without complete draining.

In order to obtain audio/video footages of the wide variety of migratory or regional birds that come to the water fountain, the present invention comprises apole18 and arecording device19. As seen inFIG. 10, afirst section18aof thepole18 is normally mounted within thereceptacle12, and asecond section18bof thepole18 extends normally out of thereceptacle12. Preferably, therecording device19 is mounted adjacent a terminal end of thesecond section18b, such that therecording device19 is oriented toward the upper section1 of the present invention. Further, the design of thepole18 prevents larger ground animals from climbing up to therecording device19 and damaging it.

In reference toFIG. 8 andFIG. 10, the present invention comprises aperch20a. Preferably, theperch20ais mounted over at least one of, theinner basin4 and theouter basin6, such that different varieties of birds can comfortably rest and drink water from theinner basin4. In the preferred embodiment, theperch20ais mounted within theinner basin4, adjacent theinner cavity5. However, theperch20amay comprise any other shape, size, material, orientation, location, components and arrangement of components that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered. Further, as seen inFIG. 9 andFIG. 10, theouter basin6 may comprise other bird friendly surfaces such as a raised rim of corks, wooden dowels etc., such that they are easier on the birds' feet. Accordingly, a plurality ofcorks20bare perimetrically mounted within theouter basin6. In order for the plurality ofcorks20bto be on a raised level above thesecond edge6aof theouter basin6, another layer of corks or other solid substances may be placed within theouter basin6. Furthermore, sufficient gap is left between the plurality ofcorks20bfor water drainage.

In reference toFIG. 1 throughFIG. 8, the present invention comprises a plurality ofwheels21 and alocking mechanism22. Preferably, the plurality ofwheels21 is perimetrically mounted onto a bottom surface12bof thereceptacle12. In other words, the plurality ofwheels21 is located on the corners of the bottom surface12bof thereceptacle12 and are evenly spread apart from one another as shown inFIG. 2. The plurality ofwheels21 provides mobility for the present invention and they allow the user to move the present invention to a desired location with ease. Preferably, thelocking mechanism22 is integrated onto at least one of the plurality ofwheels21, and thelocking mechanism22 prevent the wheels from rolling. Further, thelocking mechanism22 allows the present invention to be locked in a stationary position for stability purposes. Thus, the present invention is a bird-friendly, eco-friendly, user-friendly, and efficient outdoor water fountain.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A bird-friendly water fountain apparatus comprising:

an upper section;

an intermediate section;

a lower section;

the upper section comprising an inner basin, an inner cavity, and an outer basin;

the intermediate section comprising a plurality of upper anchors, a plurality of cables, a plurality of tension adjusting devices, a plurality of lower anchors, and a connecting pipe;

the lower section comprising a receptacle and a water container;

the intermediate section being connected between the upper section and the lower section;

the inner basin being positioned within the outer basin;

the inner cavity traversing centrally into the inner basin;

the plurality of upper anchors being mounted onto a lower surface of the outer basin;

the plurality of lower anchors being mounted onto the-receptacle;

each of the plurality of cables being engaged between a corresponding upper anchor and a corresponding lower anchor, wherein the corresponding upper anchor is from the plurality of upper anchors and the corresponding lower anchor is from the plurality of lower anchors;

each of the plurality of tension adjusting devices being integrated between a corresponding cable, wherein the corresponding cable is from the plurality of cables;

the water container being positioned within the receptacle; and

the connecting pipe being mounted normally and centrally between the inner basin and the water container.

2. The bird-friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 1, comprising:

a pump;

the pump being mounted within the receptacle; and

the inner basin being in fluid communication with the pump through the inner cavity and the connecting pipe, wherein the pump induces a pressure differential that pushes water from the water container into the inner basin.

3. The bird-friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 2, comprising:

an inner tube;

the inner tube being mounted within the connecting pipe;

the inner basin being in fluid communication with the pump, wherein the pump induces a pressure differential that pushes water from the water container into the inner basin through the inner tube; and

the outer basin being in fluid communication with the water container through the inner cavity and the connecting pipe, wherein overflown water in the outer basin falls down into the water container through the inner cavity and the connecting pipe.

4. The bird-friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 2, comprising:

a power cord;

the power cord being electrically coupled to the pump; and

the power cord being integrated into an outer surface of the receptacle.

5. The bird-friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 1, comprising:

a pole;

a recording device;

a first section of the pole being normally mounted within the receptacle;

a second section of the pole extending normally out of the receptacle;

the recording device being mounted adjacent a terminal end of the second section; and

the recording device being oriented toward the upper section.

6. The bird-friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 1, comprising:

a spigot;

the spigot being integrated into the outer surface of the water container.

7. The bird friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 1, comprising:

a perch;

the perch being mounted over at least one of the inner basin and the outer basin.

8. The bird-friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 1, comprising:

a plurality of wheels;

a locking mechanism;

the plurality of wheels being perimetrically mounted onto a bottom surface of the receptacle; and

the locking mechanism being integrated onto at least one of the plurality of wheels.

9. The bird-friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the inner basin is mounted centrally within the outer basin.

10. The bird-friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of lower anchors is mounted adjacent an outer edge of the receptacle.

11. The bird-friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of upper anchors is mounted proximate to a center of the lower surface of the outer basin.

12. The bird-friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the inner basin and the outer basin have circular transversal cross sections.

13. The bird-friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein a first edge of the inner basin is laterally offset from a second edge of the outer basin.

14. The bird-friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 1, comprising:

a plurality of corks; and

the plurality of corks being perimetrically mounted within the outer basin.

15. A bird-friendly water fountain apparatus comprising:

an upper section;

an intermediate section;

a lower section;

the lower section comprising a receptacle and a water container, and a pump;

the inner basin being positioned within the outer basin;

the inner cavity traversing centrally into the inner basin;

the plurality of lower anchors being mounted onto the-receptacle;

the water container being positioned within the receptacle;

the connecting pipe being mounted normally and centrally between the inner basin and the water container;

the pump being mounted within the receptacle; and

16. The bird-friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 15, comprising:

a power cord;

the power cord being electrically coupled to the pump; and

the power cord being integrated into an outer surface of the receptacle.

17. The bird-friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 15, comprising:

a pole;

a recording device;

a first section of the pole being normally mounted within the receptacle;

a second section of the pole extending normally out of the receptacle;

the recording device being oriented toward the upper section.

18. The bird-friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 15, comprising:

a spigot; and

the spigot being integrated into the outer surface of the water container.

19. The bird friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 15, comprising:

a perch; and

20. The bird-friendly water fountain apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein a first edge of the inner basin is laterally offset from a second edge of the outer basin.